Hailstorms in Bethpage, NY

Hailstorms should never be underestimated. They can cause damage to your home or vehicle and can even prove fatal if necessary steps aren’t taken. If you have recently experienced severe hail, we at All Dry USA can help with the restoration process, starting with this guide!

Does Bethpage Get Hail?

Yes, Bethpage gets hail. In fact, there were four instances of hail in 2022 alone. It may not happen as frequently as in other regions, but it’s certainly a feature of the Bethpage area.

Is Hail Common in Bethpage?

Hail isn’t as common in Bethpage as it is in other regions of the USA, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t something to watch out for. Hail can become a severe problem, especially for those unaware of the potential hazards.

What Are the Hazards Associated With Hailstorms?

Hail is so much more than frozen rain. It can significantly harm property, vehicles, and the well-being of humans and animals. The best way to minimize these risks is by understanding them, so let’s walk you through some of the key associated hazards of hail.

Hazardous to Driving

Driving during a hailstorm can be especially dangerous. Even a flurry of smaller hail stones can prove incredibly distracting, which increases the likelihood of accidents. Larger stones could crack or even smash your windscreen.

Damage to Property

Hailstones can puncture roofing and smash windows if they’re large enough and come with enough speed. Your home could be at risk, particularly if necessary precautions aren’t taken – more on this below.

Harmful to Humans

Finally, hailstorms can prove harmful to humans – or any living thing! In certain parts of the United States, hailstones have gotten as big as grapefruit. They are capable of causing concussions or even fatal injuries.

Preparing for a Hailstorm

Managing hazards requires preparation, so there are a few steps you need to take when you know a hailstorm is on the way.

• Bring Pets and Livestock Indoors: Hailstones can get pretty large, but regardless of their size, no animal deserves to endure a hailstorm. Bring all of them inside to keep them protected from the inclement weather. A large hailstone could prove fatal.
• Protect Outdoor Items: Anything you keep outside is at risk of harm during a hailstorm. This includes outdoor furniture, potted plants, garden ornaments, or anything else you can think of. Bring it all indoors temporarily or protect it wherever possible.
• Protect Vehicles: It isn’t just living things that need protection from the storm. The right-sized hailstone can cause significant damage to your vehicle; it may even cave a windshield in if it possesses enough force. Move any vehicles you own into a secure location, such as a garage or another feasible indoor space.
• Keep Up With Weather Updates: You must stay in the know during a hailstorm. The situation is likely to change often, either becoming more severe or safer as time passes. A battery-powered radio is a good idea as it doesn’t rely on the main electrical grid, which could go down in the storm.
• Prepare for Blackouts: Blackouts aren’t uncommon in any storm – and this includes hailstorms. Ensure you have non-perishable food and a water supply available to see you through. You could also use a home generator to provide your property with energy during a power outage.

Staying Safe During a Hailstorm

A storm’s duration can feel unnerving, but there are ways to keep yourself and others safe.

• Stay Inside: This should go without saying, but wherever possible, stay indoors. Hail is no joke; those lumps of ice falling from the sky can cause serious harm.
• Secure Windows and Doorways: Close all your curtains and blinds to protect from broken glass or debris entering your home if a hailstone strikes your window.
• Move to the Safest Location: The safest part of any building during a storm is the furthest away from the roof. If you have a cellar or basement, you should spend the storm’s duration in that space.
• Take Precautions Driving: Although we wouldn’t recommend driving during a storm, sometimes it’s unavoidable – especially if you were already driving when the storm began. In this instance, drive especially carefully. Move slower and be more aware of your surroundings. Try to pull over somewhere safe and keep your back against windows, covering yourself with a blanket or jacket if possible.

What To Do Following a Hailstorm

You’re not completely in the clear once the storm has passed. There are several things you need to do to move forward.

• Check That Everyone is Unharmed: The well-being of those around you should be your first priority, so check for any injuries before doing anything else.
• Assess the Damage: Once you know everyone is okay, check your property for damage. This will most likely include damage to your roof and windows, as these areas are most vulnerable during a storm.
• Make Records for Insurance Claims: Record and document everything, including taking pictures of the damage. This will be integral to an insurance claim if you choose to make one. The more evidence you collect, the smoother your claim will be.
• Have Your Home Professionally Inspected: Finally, hiring professionals to assess your home is wise. They will notice things you may have missed in your initial inspection and can help you to get your home back in top condition.

Suffering From Hailstorm Damage in Bethpage, NY? ADU Can Help

It isn’t just property damage that can emerge from a hailstorm. Water damage can also lead to mold, which can lead to even more long-term adverse effects if it isn’t properly treated.

At All Dry USA, we can help. We have years of experience helping New York citizens restore their homes after storms, with a variety of remediation options available. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. One of our experts will be more than happy to assist!